The FCC has scheduled a reverse auction to help facilitate a build out program to expand 3G services to rural regions. The agency has compiled a $300 million Mobility Fund for Phase 1 of the project as it aims to give US citizens ‘universal broadband and advanced mobile coverage by the end of the decade.’ The money has been made available as part of the Connect America Fund.
SuperTooth, a French Bluetooth accessories maker best known for their line of wireless car speakers, has announced two new products at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. The first is a complete re-design of its previous Disco portable speaker into the Disco2, which features an angular vertical look but maintains the high sound quality. Also debuting is Crystal, the company's latest sun-visor-mounted Bluetooth speaker for smartphones.
Consumer electronics manufacturer Behringer has introduced its 2012 lineup of products, many of which are aimed at iOS devices under the umbrella moniker of Eurosound. Offerings in the 50-product lineup include a sound-bar-and-subwoofer set, a wireless iPod sound system, a portable Bluetooth speaker, a PA system with an iPod dock built-in and more. The company has brought its notorious iNuke and its new lineup to the CES show.
Cisco today launched an updated version of its dual-band "N" home router, now dubbed the E4200v2, which features networking speeds of up to 450Mbps in each of its two bands (2.4GHz and 5GHz), totalling up to 900 Mbps performance. The company also launched an app for iOS and Android devices to allow users to make configuration changes to the network.
Verbatim has re-worked its Bluetooth Wireless Mobile Keyboard to add features specific media control and function keys suited to iOS devices while keeping the keyboard compatible with other tablets and compatible smartphones. In addition, the Bluetooth capability of the device has been upgraded to allow pairing with up to six devices. The compact, foldable keyboard also includes an iPhone stand to put the smaller device at a comfortable angle while typing.
Cox Communications is exiting the wireless carrier business. Engadget has posted internal Cox email that indicate the cable, broadband, and long distance carrier will unveil as soon as Tuesday night that it will be getting out of the cellular business by the end of March. It would stop selling new cellphones and wireless service effective Wednesday.
The US House of Representatives has voted in favor of legislation that places a temporary halt on increases to taxes on cellular service. The approval will prevent state and local taxes on cellphone and wireless broadband service from increasing in the near future, though the bill only freezes the tax hikes for a period of five years.
Novatel Wireless has announced that it has shipped more than 3 million MiFi routers throughout the globe. The milestone was reached less than three years since the first MiFi devices arrived on the market. As part of an announcement celebrating the achievement, the company notes that it now holds 35 patents and 37 patent applications related to its line of portable routers.
Start-up wireless LTE provider LightSquared, which has been involved in a feud with the GPS industry over interference between GPS devices and planned 4G LTE cell networks, informed the industry that it would cost up to $400 million to buy equipment LightSquared has developed to eliminate the problem, CNet reports. Without the device, about half a percent of GPS receivers -- about half a million units -- will be disrupted when the LTE networks begin to go online.
SMS Audio's Sync by 50 wireless headphones have been detailed and pictured ahead of the official launch. Images and a spec sheet posted on TechCrunch show the 50 Cent-branded headphones, which include their own wireless transmitter that plugs into a 3.5mm headphone jack. The system is claimed to transmit 16-bit lossless audio with a range of 50 feet and support for four users connected to a single source.
Ooma has introduced a wireless accessory for its Telo home phone system. The Air adapter attaches directly to the back of the Telo box, enabling connection to a home network via Wi-Fi rather than requiring users to route an Ethernet cable. The wireless option is claimed to support the same level of quality as a direct connection.
Logitech has introduced several new wireless accessories geared for the iPad, iPhone and Android-based devices. The headset features Bluetooth connectivity, enabling users to listen to music and videos or place calls without a wired connection to the device. A noise-canceling microphone is claimed to reduce background noise, while the integrated battery is said to offer six hours of playback time depending on conditions.
Beats by Dr. Dre appears to be readying yet another set of headphones, a wireless model that has surfaced in FCC documents. Images from the Commission suggest the Beats Wireless headphones will offer an appearance that fits between the company's Solo- and Pro-series over-ear models, but with an integrated battery and Bluetooth radio for wireless operation.
Just days after a prototype MacBook Pro with a built-in 3G antenna appeared for auction on Ebay (since removed), the company has been granted a patent on an integrated wireless antenna system that is "hidden" in keys on a notebook keyboard, perhaps demonstrating a superior way of adding 3G (or other wireless) communication to future models. The patent lists Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, but also mentions GPS and 3G as possible connections, AppleInsider reports.
A new startup out of California is offering a free tool called NetSpot for those who would like to compile a site survey of their wireless network that uses no special equipment beyond what's on-board a Mac and the local router. The software, which will be free while its in beta, creates a visual map of where signal is strong, weak or having difficulty penetrating walls, rooms or floors.
Scosche Industries has debuted a new fitness combination for iPhone and iPod Touch users, a hardware band to wear during workouts combined with a companion app called the Scosche myTrek to help users monitor their pulse, target training zone and calories burned, as well as runners' speed, pace and distance. Past workouts can be stored, and the band uses Bluetooth to wirelessly transmit the data collected to the app up to 33 feet away.
MacNN has reviewed the Verbatim Wireless Bluetooth Keyboard, a re-branded version of the Freedom i-Connex bluetooth keyboard that features a folding design, media keys to control iTunes, a tucked-away stand for the iPhone or iPod Touch and other controls aimed at iOS device users -- but which can also be used with other smartphones and tablets. Our review reveals a few surprising touches, along with a few portability compromises -- read the full review for more.
The IEEE announced today that it had finalized the 802.22TM white space wireless standards for Wireless Regional Area Networks (WRAN). White space wireless, sometimes called "super Wi-Fi" because of its long range capability and faster throughput, broadcasts data on unused, unlicensed frequencies that were designated for VHF and UHF television broadcast. The new standard will be capable of providing broadband wireless access over a large area, with a range of more than 60 miles from the transmitter. White space wireless can deliver up to 22 Mbps per channel.
RAM and accessory maker Kingston is offering a new portable flash-based drive called the Wi-Drive aimed specifically at users of Apple's iOS devices, using a built-in wireless 802.11g/n connection that supports up to three users and in effect gives owners up to 32GB more storage capacity, supporting various iOS media and file formats and allowing Windows-based iPad users the freedom to view content without having use auto-sync.
Rogue Amoeba have upgraded their wireless audio-distribution tool Airfoil for Mac to version 4.5, bringing support for direct audio from any iOS device to the Mac, as well as from iTunes on either Mac or Windows straight to selected speakers. In addition, the update offers full support for new AirPlay-compatible receivers from third-party manufacturers, and improvements in the control of remote audio sources. The company has also updated the Windows version of Airfoil to v3, a major update.
LightSquared, a wireless provider backed by Harbinger Capital, has reportedly signed a deal with Sprint, outlining terms for cost sharing as the companies collaborate to launch and expand a 4G LTE network in the US. Recent rumors suggest the deal may be worth a total of $20 billion and span 15 years, during which time Sprint will be able to take advantage of LightSquared's wireless broadband service.
Microsoft will be debuting its Wireless Desktop 2000, a wireless keyboard that transmits its keystrokes using AES 128-bit encryption, early next month. The keyboard is compatible with both Macs and Windows computers and is paired with the Wireless Mouse 2000 for a matched look. The company says its AES 128-bit encryption is the same standard used by the U.S. government to help secure its wireless connections.
Carriers appear to have started blocking access to Wireless Tether on the Android Market. Although the Wi-Fi hotspot feature appeared in Android 2.2, carriers have insisted users should be paying an additional fee for the capability. Just recently, AT&T began sending messages to Android users on its network that they were to either stop tethering or face being automatically signed up for the $45 tethering plan.
Netgear and Verizon Wireless have teamed up to produce the MBR1000, a mobile broadband router that receives 3G or Verizon's 4G LTE cellular data and creates a local 802.11n Wi-Fi hotspot, also supporting Fast Ethernet ports and dual WAN capability. The unit, the same size and style as a conventional broadband router, is aimed at businesses that may rely on cellular data to get internet connectivity out in the field, such as in construction, logging, mining, moving vehicles like busses and trains, or rural area use.
Netgear has launched four new wireless routers ahead of CES today. The networking company has launched four gigabit-capable wireless routers, one with ADSL modem support and one a power-line router. The power line model, the N300 Wireless Router with Powerline AV combines 200Mbps networking over home power lines with wireless 802.11n networking and three standard 100Mbps Ethernet ports.
Aprerion Audio has unveiled its Zona Wireless Surround Speaker System designed to work with any surround AV receiver. The bookshelf speakers are appropriate for high-end and other systems, and are simple to install. Users need only plug the speakers into a power source, and the wireless transmitter plugs directly into the surround pre-out jacks.
Iogear–makers of switches, cables, peripherals, and other accessories for computers–has announced its latest computer-to-TV connection kit, featuring Ultra-Wideband (UWB) wireless USB to allow "mirror-mode" computer use, video chatting or presentation of media such as movies and photos up to 720p wirelessly to a television, monitor or projector up to 30 feet away.
[Sponsored Post] Eye-Fi recently has organized its new generation X2 line of Eye-Fi WiFi SD camera cards, with each adding specific capabilities as the price increases. The cards allow users to effortlessly take of the "chore" of uploading photos automatically to their computer or specific websites. The Connect X2, Explore X2, Geo X2 and Pro X2 all work to move images off a camera's SD card wirelessly, but then they each specialize from there. All the cards offer wireless ranges of 90 feet outdoors and 45 feet indoors and support protected WiFi networks, including 64-/128-bit WEP and WPA-PSK and WPA2-PSK.
[Sponsored Post]: Eye-Fi's newest generation X2 line of Eye-Fi WiFi SD camera cards add more capabilities. The cards allow users to effortlessly take of the "chore" of uploading photos automatically to their computer or specific websites. Among the new cards is an Apple Store exclusive -- Geo X2. Also announced are the Connect X2, Explore X2, and Pro X2. All the Eye-Fi cards work to move images off a camera's SD card wirelessly, but then they each specialize from there. All offer wireless ranges of 90 feet outdoors and 45 feet indoors and are capable of security protocols like Static WEP 64 and 128, along with WPA-PSK and WPA2-PSK.
The US is considering the possibility of providing free wireless Internet access, according to a statement (PDF) released by the FCC. The draft broadband plan, discussed at the recent Digital Inclusion Summit, outlines a variety of strategies aimed at expanding the percentage of connected Americans to 90 percent, from the current situation which leaves 35 percent without broadband.
AT&T has extended availability for its 3G MicroCell router beyond the initial pilot cities. Customers can now sign up from additional locations in Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, San Diego and Las Vegas. The device creates a local 3G hotspot, using an in-home broadband connection to connect back to the phone network.
Cox Communications' Stephen Bye, vice president of wireless service, says tests of the company's Long Term Evolution (LTE) 4G network technology reached peak speeds in the 25Mbps range. The tests, occurred in atypical conditions, employing a single user with a multiple-antenna setup at very close range. Toward the limit of the test cell's coverage, data rates dropped to 10Mbps. In real-life situations, data transfer would be shared between multiple users in the cell's range.
AirLive has introduced the Air3G, a multifunction router capable of working with USB-attached wireless broadband modems. Users can configure the the router to choose the wired connection for primary use, while the 3G modem is automatically enabled only if the primary connection is disrupted. To help prevent overage charges on a wireless broadband account, the router automatically switches back to the standard connection as soon as service resumes.
QuickerTek has launched a new wireless nCard for older MacBooks and Mac minis, extending Wi-Fi compatibility to include all four standards -- A, B, G, and N. The new card installs in the internal Airport card slot, with similar complexity to installing RAM chips. The components are claimed to offer higher signal sensitivity and transmission power for potentially faster speeds and a wider reception area. Reception can also be further improved with an optional external antenna.
QuickerTek has introduced a Wi-Fi antenna upgrade claimed to offer up to three times the wireless range compared to the stock MacBook components. The antenna mounts to the LCD screen, while the cord attaches directly to the internal AirPort card by passing through either the security slot or ExpressCard slot of any unibody MacBook or MacBook Pro, including 13-, 15-, and 17-inch models. It requires no extra software and includes a detailed installation manual to assist with installation.
Rokland Technologies has introduced BearExtender n3, a wireless adapter designed for Apple computers. The device pairs a 700 mW Wi-Fi radio with an external antenna claimed to increase wireless range by up to four times the typical distance experienced with a 32mW AirPort card. It features plug-and-play compatibility, connecting via USB, and supports 802.11b, 802.11g and 802.11n networks.
A recent FCC filing indicates that TiVo is readying an 802.11n accessory. The device, listed as the AN0100 Wireless 11n AP, appears to be a successor to the current AG0100 Wireless G USB network adapter the company sells for connecting its DVRs to a home network. The current model supports TiVoToGo, multi-room viewing, music, photos, and online scheduling.
FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski, speaking to attendees of the CTIA's fall event in San Diego, asserted the Commission's position on the expansion of net neutrality regulations to include mobile devices. Genachowski believes the FCC should maintain openness, "whether a person accesses the Internet from a wireless laptop or a netbook."
TRENDnet has introduced the TEW-648UB, a 150Mbps Mini Wireless N USB Adapter. The device is used to connect a laptop or desktop computer to a wireless N network, providing users with a significantly faster alternative to a wireless G connection. The TEW-648UB is very compact, measuring about 1.3 inches end-to-end and utilizes a Wi-Fi protected setup. The device features WPS technology which enables users to forgo the usual process of entering codes in order to connect to a wireless network.
QuickerTek has launched its Quicky Jr. II, a wireless networking range extender that connects via USB to any recent Mac. Designed specifically for notebooks, the new extender is rated to triple the Mac's wireless range. It works without any external adapters, drawing power from the USB port, and uses a single driver for plug-and-play operation. The Quicky Jr. II weighs just half an ounce and is just six inches long for easy portability.
Netgear on Monday launched the RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N Router WNDR3300, featuring an eight-antennae setup that delivers more channels, less interference and better connections. The dual-band Wireless-N router offers the bandwidth to support simultaneously surfing the Internet, e-mailing, streaming HD video, playing online games and making VoIP calls. The new router adds a "Push 'N' Connect" feature that allows users to quickly and securely add computers to the wireless network.
Today's featured deals from DealNN include iPods, GPS units, wireless routers and more. Today's deal of the day from Buy.com is on the TRENDnet Wireless N home router for $24.99. That's a price cut of $34.01 off the list price of $59 and includes FREE shipping. The TRENDnet Wireless N router supports cable/DSL modems with most connection types. Transmit wireless data at up to 300Mbps over distances up to 300m.
Today's featured DealNN deal is on the Logitech diNovo Edge Bluetooth keyboard, Mac edition. It is priced at $99 at PCconnection.com, which is about $60 less than the MSRP and it includes FREE shipping. The Logitech diNovo Edge Bluetooth wireless keyboard is cut from a single piece of Plexiglass and set in a brushed aluminum frame, it is rechargeable, and will last for up to one day one a five minute charge.
TRENDnet has announced its newest addition to the Wireless IPView Camera Series, the Wireless N IP Camera, also known as the TV-IP512WN. The camera is intended for security purposes, allowing two-way audio and video streaming over the internet. The TV-IP512WN features 300MBps wireless N technology, improving the bandwidth and giving the camera a wide range of capabilities.
GizFever has released a new keyboard, the USB Smallest Mini Keyboard II. The item includes new features not offered in its sister model, such as a backlight and wireless capabilities which enable the keyboard to operate up to 10 meters away. The new model also features a power-conservation mode activated when the keyboard remains inactive for a period of time. Additionally, there is a Lock ID button that enables users to password-protect the keyboard.
Today's featured DealNN deal is on the 1.83GHz Mac mini from BHphotoVideo.com. It is regularly priced at $599, but has been reduced to $449 and includes FREE shipping as well as free Parallels Desktop 4 software. This Mac mini has 1GB of RAM, 80GB hard drive, AirPort Extreme wireless, SuperDrive, speakers and four USB ports.
Yamaha has entered the iPod accessory market, introducing four new iPod specific audio products, the PDX-50, PDX-30, TSX-130, and TSX-120. Each model also aims to provide high-quality sound using a recently designed digital amplifier. The PDX50 model includes wireless control using Air-Wired technology, supposedly transmitting audio in a lossless stream. The 'dock less' system wirelessly connects to a small transmitter attached to the iPod without pairing common in other wireless connectors.
DealNN deals today include iPods, digital cameras, wireless routers and more. Our featured deal today comes from Apples online store. For a limited time the refurbished 8GB iPod nano has been reduced by $30 from $129 to $99. The 16GB model has also been reduced by the same price margin to $149. Both models are available in black, pink, silver, orange, yellow, green, blue or purple.
Featured deals at DealNN today include hard drives, iMacs, Bluetooth headsets and more. Apple's online store has the refurbished 20-inch iMac for $999, a $200 price drop from their previous price. The iMac has 2GB of memory, 320GB hard drive, AirPort extreme wireless, Bluetooth, iSight, microphone and 8x SuperDrive.
Featured DealNN deals for today include peripherals, storage, hard drives and more. First up is the Kensington SlimBlade wireless media mouse for $29.99. That's $27 off the original price of $56.99 and the lowest price we could find on this mouse by about $14. Features include a unique scroll ball that provides intuitive 260 scrolling, multifunction navigation pad that allows you to control digital media from anywhere in the room, automatic sleep function, and battery indicator light.
